Fleets must focus on safety and fuel efficiency with new tyre scheme

8 February 2010

Fleet managers are being advised not to skimp on safety or cost by fast-fit giant Kwik-Fit Fleet when a new tyre labelling initiative is launched.

All new tyres on sale in Europe from November 1, 2012 will be classified and labelled for fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise performance.

The European Union regulation is designed to make fleet operators, company car and van drivers and private drivers aware of the individual performance characteristics of every single new tyre on sale.

Like the European energy label, the tyre label will use classes ranging from best-performance (green ‘A’ class) to worst (red ‘G’ class).

Besides indicating how much a tyre affects a car’s fuel efficiency, the label will also give information about its performance in wet conditions and its external rolling noise in decibels.

Mike Wise, head of Kwik-Fit Fleet, a Driving for Better Business campaign partner, said: “We welcome the new regulations because fleet chiefs and drivers will be able to see at a glance the individual performance characteristics of each tyre, particularly in relation to fuel efficiency and safety.”